Life is tough when you're an especially large edible crab with fishermen looming nearby.

One lucky crustacean, however, was recently saved from becoming someone's dinner when a seafood merchant showed some compassion.

The massive brown crab (also known as edible crab) was recently caught off the coast of Portsmouth, U.K. According to The Portsmouth News, it topped nine pounds and measured 21.6 inches across, with its claws outstretched.

"For an edible crab he is pretty sizable," Rob Davidson, Blue Reef Aquarium staff member, told the Portsmouth News. "They can actually get a tiny bit bigger than this, according to most records, but I have never seen one this large."